EDITORIAL: Safer rail tank cars needed

By Enterprise editorial staff

Published 4:10 am, Saturday, November 16, 2013

The United States has been spared from a railroad accident like last July's tragedy in Quebec that killed 48 people when tank cars carrying oil exploded and burned. But that incident stunned safety officials, and it's not surprising that various upgrades have been proposed in this country.

One would correct a common design flaw in rail cars designed to carry oil or liquid chemicals. The soda-can shaped car often splits open during derailments and other accidents. When that happens, a minor problem can suddenly become major.

Fortunately, the Association of American Railroads is not opposing better standards proposed by the federal government. The improvements include thicker steel shells for tank cars, better heat protection and better protection for railcar valves.

U.S. railroads are carrying more oil thanks to the fracking boom, and about 78,000 older tank cars are still being used. The sooner they are upgraded or phased out, the better.